5 healthy states

November 25, 2003

This information is provided by Mercola.com,

the world's most visited and trusted natural health

website with over 25,000 pages of free health insight.

The Top Five Fittest States,

and What to Do if You Don’t Live in One of Them

By Dr. ph Mercola

with Droege

While obesity and overweight

are certainly influenced by individual lifestyle choices, cultural factors also

contribute. Naturally, these cultural factors are most apparent when you

compare the obesity rates of different countries that have totally different

diets and lifestyles, but the United States is a diverse place in itself,

and each state has its own unique culture. In fact, states’ cultures are so

different that where you live may be having a significant impact on your

waistline.

According to the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention, the following five states had the lowest rates

of obesity in the country in 2001:

Colorado (14.4 percent)

Massachusetts (16.1 percent)

Vermont (17.1 percent)

Rhode Island (17.3 percent)

Connecticut (17.3 percent)

So should we should all pack up

and move to Colorado? Well, that’s one way to look at it but

it’d be much easier to identify the cultural factors that are likely making it

easier for Coloradoans to stay fit, compared to, say, Mississippians

(Mississippi is leading the country in obesity with a prevalence of 25.9

percent).

Factor #1:

Climate

Quite simply, it’s easier to

get out and be active if it’s nice outside. Certain areas are just too hot in

the summers or too cold in the winters to go outside and exercise. But, if you

live in an area that has a temperate year-round climate, you can go for a walk,

run, bike ride or any other outdoor activity anytime you want.

Solution: If the climate is

less than ideal, consider joining a health club or purchasing a couple of

pieces of home exercise equipment. Both options provide a great alternative to

the outdoors for exercise. For some, the experience of joining a gym is just

what they need to get motivated to exercise. You get the benefit of a community

of exercisers, which is a great way to meet other people who share your desire

to get fit, and most health clubs offer personal trainers or other

professionals if you need some workout advice.

Others prefer the convenience

and flexibility of a home gym. While this option may not be feasible for some

due to space issues, keep in mind that a couple of pieces of equipment can go a

long way. I recommend a treadmill, which is great for walking on an incline or

jogging, or an elliptical

machine along with an appropriate size weight set to start.

Factor #2: Urban

vs. Rural

If you live in an urban area

chances are you rely on your own two feet for transportation as much as you can

just to avoid the city traffic. You probably use some public transportation and

are used to walking or bike riding several blocks to the grocery store or bus

stop, and you may not even own a car.

Those in rural areas, on the

other hand, may live miles from the nearest store and typically have no access

to public transportation. If they are going to get anywhere, they will

typically need to drive to get there.

Over time, the extra activity

that city dwellers gain on a daily basis gives them an edge to curb obesity.

Solution: If it is not

practical for you to walk or bike ride to run errands or do other tasks, then

park as far away from your destination as possible. The extra time you spend

walking across the parking lot will add up. Also, always take the stairs instead

of the elevator or escalator, and take advantage of your rural location to go for long walks

whenever you can squeeze them in.

Factor #3:

Attitudes About Obesity

Certain areas of the country

are much more accepting of extra weight. For instance, in the South local

attitudes do not attach a negative stigma to being overweight the way they

might in the West or Northwest.

These beliefs will certainly

influence your own weight loss efforts. You may be less inclined to achieve a

healthy weight if it is not a priority in your area of the country. Of course,

living in an area that is overly obsessed with weight or weight loss could also

negatively impact your weight loss efforts.

Solution: If you decide you

want to lose weight, make the decision your own. Do not let the social stigmas

in your environment overcome your own individual desire. Seek out a group of

friends and family that will support you and encourage your decision, and consider using EFT to help

overcome any subconscious emotional blocks that may be hindering your goals.

Factor #4: Social

Scene

In certain areas of the country

social events cater to overeating. From barbecues to potluck dinners, if the

environment revolves around food it will certainly make it harder to stick to

your nutrition plan.

Then there is the issue of

buffets vs. cafés. If your only restaurant choice is an all-you-can-eat buffet,

you will typically eat more, or at the very least be tempted to eat more, than

if you can choose from a more health-oriented restaurant or café.

Solution: Make nutritious meals

when you’re at home, and limit the number of meals you eat outside of your

home. If you go to a buffet-style restaurant, don’t think you have to eat more

than you normally would just because the food is there, and seek out healthy

food choices that are right for your metabolic type.

As you become more in-tune with

your personal goals for health, you may in fact find that your current cultural

environment no longer suits you. If this is the case, moving to a different

area of the country may be just what you need. Alternatively, you could become

involved in your own community and seek to make some health-friendly changes

such as starting a neighborhood walking club or health-food coop, or

petitioning your city officials to make some walking or biking trails.

Sign In

5 healthy states

Recommended Posts

Guest guest

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Join the conversation

Activity